Lotterer “Getting There” After Beneficial Test

Andre Lotterer believes that the rookie test in Marrakesh last month was beneficial for himself and the Techeetah team as he looks to fight back from a difficult start to his maiden ABB FIA Formula E Championship season.

Lotterer is yet to score his first point in Formula E after a troubled start which has seen a disqualification and 13th position in the season-opening Hong Kong E-Prix followed by a retirement after a technical problem in Marrakesh.

The team chose James Rossiter and Frederic Makowiecki, two drivers with experience of the current Formula E car, to run at the Marrakesh test in which six hours of testing were available to teams.

“It was very helpful and beneficial because, as we know, the limitation on track time is there for us,” Lotterer told e-racing365.

“We got two good drivers with experience to help us out and so every lap on the track is very valuable.

“We made some good steps. We improved quite a few of the systems we use on the track and the driveability of the car.”

Techeetah concentrated mainly on mechanical setup work in the test and Lotterer thinks that the data will assist him as he continues to get used to the quirky nature of Formula E cars and compact race day schedules.

“The team is really good in terms of software so we looked to improve the setups and the vehicle dynamic parts of the car,” he said.

“You have to find your rhythm super early if you don’t suffer and you are behind. I’m getting there though.”

Techeetah team principal Mark Preston confirmed that he expects Lotterer to gain his first points soon.

“Andre is putting a load of effort in and we all know this formula is not as easy as it looks,” he told e-racing365. “I’m confident that he will deliver some points soon.

“It is natural that any driver builds up an understanding of the complexities we know exist in this type of racing.

“Without the miles of testing, which other drivers get, there was always going to be an element of being on the back foot for him.”

Sam Smith is e-racing365's Formula E Editor. A 20-year veteran in motorsports media, including press officer roles in both the FIA Sportscar Championship and at Lola Group, Smith is a well-known face in the Formula E paddock, where he served as series editor for Motorsport.com from 2014-17. Contact Sam